Influence of Combretum nigricans Hot Aqueous Extracts on Phenylhadrazine- Induced Hemolytic Anaemia in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Anaemia is a major health issue that affects many people, particularly in developing nations. In some cases of anemia, rural residents in the tropics have to rely on traditional remedies. The goal of this study was to determine Combretum nigricans’s hematinic capabilities. Using phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anemia in rats, the aqueous extract (AE) of the bark was tested for haematinic effects. A total of twenty-eight (28) wistar albino rats of both sexes, weighing between 150 – 250g, were used for the experiment. Rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 4/group). Group I, served as the normal control (not infected) received the vehicle (10 ml/kg; Tween 20). Group II, served as positive control (infected but not treated) received no treatment, while groups III, IV, V, VI and VII received 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg of the aqueous extract (AE) respectively daily for two (2) weeks. As markers of anemia, blood parameters such as red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were measured. The results showed that oral treatment of AE (100-500 mg/kg/day) had a significant (P 0.05) haematinic effect by reducing the PHZ-induced drop in blood parameters such as Hb, PCV, and RBC. The potency of haematinicity was shown to be dose-dependent. These findings support the existence of haematinic components in C. nigricans bark and therefore can be used to maintain physiologically healthy RBC and PVC during anaemic episodes.